Single or Multiple Panels?

[klpauba]

I was kinda hoping that I could install flexible panels on my TM but it seems most suppliers are depleting their stock and then discontinuing them. I'm now looking around at the rigid panel offerings.

There are some higher power (and voltage) panels available but there would be enough space on the back shell of my 2720SL for just one. The alternative is to get two or three smaller panels. The larger panel would have the advantage of simpler wiring (no combiner plugs/box) and have fewer lbs/watt (due to much less aluminum). The downside of the larger panel are that the buyer usually pays the shipping (which is much higher due to their size/weight). I've been comparing poly panels from Missouri Wind and Solar -- the 250 W one and some of the 100 W offerings. I've already purchased an MPPT controller so I'm not too worried about the higher voltages of the 250 W panel.

What other advantages/disadvantages should I consider when comparing the two panel sizes?

[scrubjaysnest]

During the installation process the larger panel may be for difficult to handle. When we had the 120 watt panel it was easier for two of us to place it on the roof. Higher Vmp may allow smaller wire for a little cost savings. If you have a tilt system like we do there is less to mess with in tilt brackets.

Shading on the panel will have more affect in some cases. With two only one may be in the shade.

[Lesherp]

This is the panel I bought. They have free shipping. With the rocker foot mount I am able to take the panel off the roof and put it in the sun if need be. I have only had to remove it once in 3 years even though I have camped in many very shaded sites. It would be challenging to remove and replace it on the roof by yourself but it was very manageable for DW and myself. For us we have had fully charged batteries by sundown 99% of the time.

http://www.amsolar.com/home/amr_1363...cessories.html

[rickst29]

If you went with all aluminum+glass framed panels, your best choice (Watts per Dollar) would be "Windy Nation" 100W Poly Panels. But the weight of each panel is 17.6lbs - 3 of them, on one shell, adds over 50 lbs. Even with lift bar torque adjustments set to maximum (screws all the way in), that would be quite difficult to lift. My 2619 is a struggle with 2 "Renogy" panels and one flex, at about 37 lbs. I would not be able to lift the front shell on my 2619 with 3 aluminum+glass framed panels. (The torque adjustment screws are already all the way in.)

Instead:

"Windy Nation" 100W panels, at standard "max" conditions, put out 5.6A @ 18V. To reduce weight, we want to replace either one or two of them with lighter "flex" panels. And, with an MPPT Controller and panels mounted in series we want the flex panel to match the current - not the voltage. This is the optimum panel, for Ebay Purposes: http://www.ebay.com/itm/181747215111. If you want a really easy lift, then buy two "Sgzestore" Flex and use the sole "WIndy" panel in the middle. (Always put the odd one in the middle, to avoid side-to-side misbalance.) If you want to save $100 or so, then buy two "Windy" panels and one "Sgestore" (Flex in the middle, like my arrangement.) It's a harder lift, but the $100 difference buys lots of cold beers.

Right now, there aren't any flex panels which match the current output of the "Renogy" 100W mono panels (which put out only 5.3A each). That's why the "Windy Nation" Poly panels are a better choice for you, right now.

[scrubjaysnest]

Part of the reason for the redo I just did was to address some of the weight issues mentioned above. The two 80 watt panels, not recommended at this time because of cost/watt, are slightly lower in weight then either the Renorgy 100 watt panels or the Missouri Wind and Solar 100 watt panels. Because of problems in the past with the flex panels, your lightest weight option, I chose to stay away from them. The early flex panels were Amorphous cell material, sprayed on, and tended to flake with flexing. Series is a good way to go if panel shading isn't a problem. This lets you use smaller wire with a cost_weight/foot reduction.

[klpauba]

I really appreciate all of the replies. Thanks folks.

Scrubjaysnest, you answered my request very well. If it wasn't for the dead weight, I would really prefer 3x100W.

Lesherp, that's very interesting that your installation allows you to remove the panel in shady campsites. I really like that idea but I don't know how keen my DW would be with it. I also took a look at your album and I must say those are some beautiful photos you've taken!

Rickst29, I really, really appreciate your taking the time matching up the rigid and flex panels. I worry about the major suppliers (Renogy, Windy Nation among them) discontinuing the flex. It makes me think they've had a lot of warranty issues. I also see that the supplier you mentioned doesn't warrant the product except for DOAs. The price cuts a little deep, too, but I think my DW would prefer them -- when I mentioned that I'd like to add solar she mentioned as long as they can't be seen she would be OK with them (!). If I were to do flex, I would get 3x100W. I see these flex are available at $1.90/W using the same cell provider --http://www.ebay.com/itm/Semi-Flexible-Bendable-100w-100-Watt-Lightweight-Solar-Panel-12v-Battery-OffGrid-/161668810421. If you had to buy another flex today (given current prices and lack of warranty), would you do it?

[Padgett]

I went with two 100W monocrystaline panels on the rear section of my 2720SL (three would fit but two seemed a better match to the rest of my system (two GC2 batteries).

Not difficult to open.

[Craigrrr]

Originally Posted by Padgett

I went with two 100W monocrystaline panels on the rear section of my 2720SL (three would fit but two seemed a better match to the rest of my system (two GC2 batteries).

Not difficult to open.

Padgett, can you post a few pics of your wires running down and into the TM?

[scrubjaysnest]

Good pictures here:harveyrv install

and here: lovetocamp install

and here: My install before redo

and I haven't found padgett's yet

[Craigrrr]

Originally Posted by scrubjaysnest

Good pictures here:harveyrv install

and here: lovetocamp install

and here: My install before redo

and I haven't found padgett's yet

Thanks Scrubjaysnest appreciated it!